National Security Adviser's Wife Accused of Leaking Amid Palestine Action Row

Sarah Helm, wife of Andy Burnham's national security adviser Jonathan Powell, has been accused of leaking information regarding government decision-making after publicly defending her support for the proscribed group Palestine Action. Helm was recently investigated by the Metropolitan Police over a social media post declaring her support for the group, but officers determined the post did not meet the criminal threshold.

Following the police assessment, Helm has continued to post on X, formerly Twitter, about her stance. In one post, she appeared to suggest her husband had minimal involvement in the government's decision to ban Palestine Action last year, responding to a question about his role by stating, "Nope and nope." She also indicated he might not have influence in getting the group deproscribed.

Senior Conservative MP Alicia Kearns questioned Helm's actions, writing on X, "Not sure the wife of the National Security Advisor should be leaking where decision making sits in Government on…National Security? This tweet suggests he tells her who makes decisions, and how, on national security issues…"

The ban on Palestine Action, implemented in July 2025, criminalizes membership and support of the direct action group, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

Earlier, Helm had commented on author Sally Rooney's decision to stop selling her books in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action. Helm posted, "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action." The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday they were assessing the post, but an update on Saturday stated no further action would be taken due to insufficient evidence that the post encouraged support for a proscribed organization.

Jonathan Powell was retained as national security adviser by Andy Burnham after he replaced Keir Starmer as Prime Minister in July. Powell, formerly Tony Blair's chief of staff, has been described by some MPs as Labour's "de facto foreign secretary" due to his extensive overseas travel.

A government spokesperson commented on Helm's social media activity, stating, "These views are held by an individual who does not represent the Government in any capacity."